Hi everyone,

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency as I find myself in an uncertain and fragile situation.

I come from Gaza, where I’ve lived with my mother since 2009. She has been the sole provider and unwavering source of support throughout my life, raising me through significant financial and emotional hardship.

In a community where women’s rights are too often overlooked, my mother and I fought against cultural and societal barriers every day. Her strength empowered me to strive for education as a path to independence and change. Despite everything, we persevered and eventually moved to Jordan in search of safety. There, I was accepted into King’s Academy, where I began my journey of academic growth and resilience.

I faced immense challenges—missing classes due to the blockade on Gaza, learning English from scratch, and trying to catch up academically while emotionally processing the chaos around me. Yet, I held onto my belief that education could provide my mother and me with a better future. My efforts led me to be accepted at a college in the U.S, where I was awarded a full scholarship and pursued a double major in Environmental Studies and Economics. This became a transformative place for me—academically, emotionally, and spiritually. I dreamed of using my education to advocate for peace and become a voice for those silenced by conflict.

However, just a few months ago, everything changed. While returning from a Model United Nations conference at McGill University in Canada, where I was proudly representing my college, my U.S. student visa was unexpectedly revoked—despite clear confirmation from my college that all documentation was in order. I was denied entry into the U.S. and have since been stranded in Canada with no legal pathway to return. It felt as though years of dreams, dedication, and sacrifices were crushed overnight.

This abrupt and traumatic shift caused severe emotional distress and depression. It was more than losing access to a school—it was losing the only life I had worked to build. Still, I knew I couldn’t give up. My mother’s resilience has always guided me, and I decided to do everything in my power to find a new path forward. I reached out to schools in Canada and worked relentlessly to maintain my academic standing. I’m incredibly proud to share that I’ve been accepted into the University of Toronto—Woodsworth College, for the upcoming academic year 2025-26.

However, the obstacles are far from over to be able to continue my studies 2026-27 onward. As an international student, my tuition alone is CAD $40,928. Housing options I explored all exceeded $2,000 per month, and after tireless searching, I was fortunate to find a roommate and secure the most affordable and stable option possible. With about CAD $1400 monthly. I am now seeking financial assistance for the academic year—including tuition, housing, and food—without which I won’t be able to attend university or survive in Toronto. Even the basic necessities are currently out of reach. My devices were damaged while at the U.S. border, my food access is severely limited, and I am not yet eligible for work due to my legal status. I’m also unable to cover the additional 10% often required by fundraising platforms, further deepening my financial insecurity. I feel like I am lost here, I am 19 years old and I feel like I am very naive and very alone and hope to get your support.

This is more than a funding request—it’s a plea for survival. Without your help, I truly do not know how I will manage. I am doing everything I can with the limited tools available to me, but I am at the edge of life—barely holding on.

I humbly ask for your support so I can remain a full-time student, continue my education, and contribute meaningfully to our global society. My hope is not just to survive this moment but to one day give back—to our world, our workplaces, and our communities—with everything I’ve learned. Your support now is an investment in that future.

Please help me continue surviving in Toronto.

Warm regards,

Mariam